University College Dublin, Ireland: Ranking, Courses, Fees, Admission 2024
Introduction
Education empowers all. Continuing your higher education at one of the leading global public research universities of Ireland, like University College Dublin (UCD), can be a life-reforming opportunity for global education aspirants like you. Ever since it laid its foundation stone in the 19th century, the university has been at the forefront of cutting-edge and world-changing research and innovation, and currently houses over 38,000 students, with a considerable 25% majority of international students from 152 countries.
So, what are you waiting for? Embark on a transformative learning experience with UCD, Ireland’s global university, and unlock exciting career opportunities ahead of you!
About the University
Established in 1854 by John Henry Newman as a Catholic University of Ireland, it later came to be known as the University College Dublin in 1908, a constituent college of the National University of Ireland under the Universities Act. Ever since its inception, the university has been a cornerstone of milestone achievements in the realm of education and research and fosters praiseworthy collaborations with almost 480 partner institutions across 55+ countries worldwide. At present, it is ranked within the top 1% of higher education institutions worldwide as per QS World University Rankings 2025 for its high standards of education and avant-garde research initiatives, providing an outstanding environment for students to learn and grow.
With a rich history and legacy of 160 years, UCD has significantly contributed to the formation of modern Ireland since its students and staff actively participated in the struggle for Irish independence. Moreover, the academic institution has actively engaged with Irish society and contributed to the prosperity of Ireland through the study of people, business, economy, languages, culture, creative arts and innovative research. Currently, UCD holds a considerable number of archives of national and global importance relating to the Irish War of Independence.
Furthermore, UCD’s vast 304,426 global alumni network comprises numerous Irish presidents, Prime Ministers, and leaders in the areas of business, academic, professional, sports, and cultural leaders, and includes five Nobel Laureates. One of the UCD’s graduates is James Joyce, a world-renowned writer and one of the fathers of modern literature.
Since the university is a renowned international university, it holds various global accreditations from world-leading professional organisations in architecture, veterinary medicine, landscape, regional and urban planning and engineering. In addition, the UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School holds triple-crown accreditations of EQUIS (Europe), AACSB (US) and AMBA (UK) for its high quality of education.
Furthermore, UCD has over 400 student exchange partnerships with pioneer higher education institutions worldwide, offering extensive global study opportunities to students and staff across all disciplines.
Mission and Values
University College Dublin was established with a mission to create a positive and influential impact on its students, in Ireland, and the world through its research and education. It aims to promote national and international engagement and offer a supportive community, in which the students and staff members harness their full potential.
In its “Rising To The Future” Strategy, the university focuses on addressing the global challenges in the future, targeting the four strategic themes that will be integral to its research, education and learning:
- Creating a Sustainable Global Society
- Transforming through Digital Technology
- Empowering Humanity
- Building a Healthy World
Furthermore, University College Dublin strives to go global across its range of disciplines, while widening the reach and impact of its research and innovation. It will continue with its status quo of an excellent research-intensive university while maintaining its global reputation and impact with its diverse and inclusive academic community closely working together to contribute to the development of Ireland and the world.
Campus Life
Student life at the University College Dublin in Ireland is vibrant, culturally diverse, and full of learning. The university has two major campuses – one in Belfield, the main campus, and the other is Blackrock. Formed in the 1930s, the Belfield campus is spacious and built on a parkland setting, spreading across 133 hectares of parkland surrounded by lakes, woodland and wildlife. It was established after purchasing some of Dublin’s finest period estates and houses that now provide access to all vital amenities to students, staff and the local community. Since the university is just about 15 minutes away from Dublin’s city centre, it has better access and reachability for students.
University College Dublin campus comprises six colleges catering to the disciplines of Arts and Humanities, Business, Engineering and Architecture, Health and Agricultural Sciences, Science, and Social Science and Law. Among these, UCD College of Business located in the Blackrock campus has been Ireland’s leading business school with triple crown accreditation from EQUIS (Europe), AACSB (US) and AMBA (UK). The school has been featured in several global rankings for its high standard of education and research for almost two decades.
Furthermore, the university has taken extra care in cultivating the co-curricular interest of its students through the establishment of award-winning student facilities, including 70+ student societies, 55+ sports clubs, student support groups, employability supports, cafes, and more. The Belfield campus houses spectacular sports facilities, such as the National Hockey Stadium and the UCD Bowl stadium, with a 3,000-seating capacity for soccer and rugby. Moreover, the university has one of the largest fitness centres in Ireland, tennis courts, an indoor rifle range, squash courts, an indoor climbing wall and two spacious sports halls.
Additionally, there are student healthcare services for students that provide on-campus medical emergency services, a pharmacy offering Flu vaccinations and medication, expert counseling by professionally qualified psychologists and counselors, and so much more to ensure the well-being of its students.
Since UCD is home to over 9,500 international students, coming from 120+ countries, it fosters a multicultural and collaborative environment and a vibrant student community. The university promotes “Equality, Diversity & Inclusion” and aims to create a supportive and welcoming environment for international students. In addition, it has university campus accommodation facilities available for its students comprising apartment ensuites, apartment-shared bathrooms, halls-dorm style bathrooms, village center studios, village halls, and more.
Now, UCD strives to work on the Belfield campus development plan in the next few years, in which it will specifically focus on creating facilities that will support its vision and mission of continuing to be a top 100 global university. It seeks to establish a healthy, sustainable and living campus, more specifically “Center for Future Learning”, equipped with modern technology with flexibility and adaptable spaces to facilitate engagement and group activities.
University College Dublin, Ireland Courses 2024
Pursuing your academic ambitions at this distinctively Irish university with a global impact will open new opportunities for overseas education aspirants like you. The undergraduate and postgraduate programmes offered by UCD consist of an industry-led curriculum updated by the latest research, delivered by leading national and international academic experts in their fields.
Undergraduate programmes
UCD is one of the top universities in Ireland for international students seeking undergraduate courses. Here is the list of the top undergraduate courses at this university with different backgrounds, durations, and subject areas.
Architecture, BArchSc (Hons)
UCD Architecture is at the cutting edge of architectural and urban design, both in Ireland and beyond.
Enquire NowBachelor of Business and Law
The curriculum gives you the perfect skill set for the business world and important career flexibility by fusing law and business into a single degree.
Enquire NowBSc Biomedical Engineering
UCD Biomedical Engineers are equipped with a solid grounding in mechanical, electrical, and electronic engineering, together with a comprehension of anatomy and physiology.
Enquire NowBE Civil Engineering
The UCD Civil Engineering course focuses on structural design, water and environmental engineering, transportation engineering, and geotechnical engineering (soil and foundations).
Enquire NowB. Com
A globally-recognized business degree covering the trends transforming the business landscape, such as globalisation, technological change, and environmental sustainability.
Enquire NowBSc Computer Science
The UCD Computer Science degree covers the fundamentals of Computer Science, including programming, foundational mathematics, advanced software engineering, cloud development, theory of computer science, networks and security.
Enquire NowPostgraduate Programs
This Ireland’s leading academic institution offers a wide spectrum of graduate study programmes spanning its six colleges. The university has been ranked at the top in Ireland for graduate employability in the QS World Rankings for five consecutive years. Here is the list of postgraduate programmes promising exceptional career success.
MSc Computer Science (Conversion)
Curated for the non-computer science background students, this course offers a strong foundation in modern Computer Science in a practical and thriving learning environment.
Enquire NowMSc Computer Science (Negotiated Learning)
The course is modelled for students with an ICT background and allows students to customise their learning journey as per their own specific needs and career aspirations.
Enquire NowMSc Digital Marketing
The course is delivered by experienced digital experts from the leading technology companies. It includes new-age marketing techniques and strategies like SEO, big data analytics, etc.
Enquire NowMSc Aviation Finance
It focuses on practical aspects of global aviation markets and is the only MSc Aviation Finance Degree in Europe.
Enquire NowMSc Business Analytics
This programme includes a set of analytical methods to solve business management issues. The core areas of study are Data Science, Management Science, and Operational Research.
Enquire NowMBA
Smurfit MBA is globally ranked for its academic excellence and its Leadership Development Programme offers an international qualification.
Enquire NowMSc Quantitative Finance
Get a comprehensive foundation of financial markets and their related areas such as financial securities, portfolios, derivative securities, etc.
Enquire NowMSc Finance
Certified by the Chartered Financial Analyst Institute (CFA) and prepares you for a career in investment banks, insurance companies, trading houses, and more.
Enquire NowMSc Financial Data Science
The programme includes a detailed study of finance, data, and technology with a special focus on machine learning and AI, blockchain, cloud computing, cryptocurrencies, etc.
Enquire NowMSc Sustainable Energy and Green Technologies
The course equips you with advanced education on the exploitation of renewable energy, maintaining energy efficiency, mitigation of environmental impacts, and business innovation.
Enquire NowUniversity College Dublin, Ireland Fees & Eligibility 2024
Since 25% of the UCD student cohort comprises international students, the university has laid separate guidelines for them regarding the tuition fees and admission requirements for its variety of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
Undergraduate programmes
The average tuition fees for undergraduate courses taught at University College Dublin in Ireland ranges between 17,640 Euros and 29,100 Euros per year. Moreover, the general entry requirement for UG courses is 85% and above.
In addition, there are scholarships available for international students with an excellent academic record in their Class 12th. However, below is the list of popular courses along with their duration, tuition fees, and eligibility requirements.
Architecture, BArchSc (Hons)
Eligibility:
- Average 80% in Class 12th and 75% in maths.
- IELTS score: 6.5 over all components and a minimum of 6.0 in each band
Bachelor of Business and Law
Eligibility:
- Average 80% in Class 12th and 80% in maths.
- IELTS score: 6.5 over all components and a minimum of 6.0 in each band
BSc Biomedical Engineering
Eligibility:
- Average 80% in Class 12th and 80% in maths and lab science.
- IELTS score: 6.5 over all components and a minimum of 6.0 in each band
BE Civil Engineering
Eligibility:
- Average 80% in Class 12th and 85% in maths and 80% in lab science.
- IELTS score: 6.5 over all components and a minimum of 6.0 in each band
B. Com
Eligibility:
- Average 80% in Class 12th and 80% in maths.
- IELTS score: 6.5 over all components and a minimum of 6.0 in each band
BSc Computer Science
Eligibility:
- Average 80% in Class 12th and 80% in maths.
- IELTS score: 6.5 over all components and a minimum of 6.0 in each band
Postgraduate programmes
At UCD, the average tuition fees for postgraduate study programmes range from 21,520 euros to 29,100 euros, except MBA. Additionally, the general entry requirement for PG programs is 65% and above. Moreover, the scholarships offered by the university for international students enrolled in PG courses will reduce the cost of education to a further extent.
Furthermore, UCD has a deposit requirement of 500 Euros for all postgraduate courses except the MBA which is 1,000 Euros.
MSc Computer Science (Conversion)
Eligibility:
- 70% & above in bachelor’s degree in disciplines other than computer science.
- IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element)
MSc Computer Science (Negotiated Learning)
Eligibility:
- Only Computer Science or ICT background students can apply.
- 70% & above in bachelor’s degree in CS or related disciplines/a minimum of three years’ relevant industrial work experience.
- IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element)
MSc Digital Marketing
Eligibility:
- 60% & above in bachelor’s degree in any discipline/a primary degree with a minimum of two years’ work experience in a marketing role.
- IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element)
MSc Aviation Finance
Eligibility:
- Students from multiple disciplines, like; Finance, economics, mathematics, statistics, computer science, engineering, or physics can apply for the course.
- 65% or above in bachelor’s degree.
- A minimum overall score of 7.0 over all components and a minimum of 6.0 in each band.
- GMAT may be required.
MSc Business Analytics
Eligibility:
- 70% or more in bachelor’s with a strong quantitative background.
- Students from engineering, computer science, and mathematics can apply for the course.
- GMAT or GRE if required.
- A minimum overall score of 7.0 over all components and a minimum of 6.0 in each band.
MBA
Eligibility:
- A university degree.
- GMAT score of 650+
- 5+ years of work experience
- An IELTS Score of 7.0 overall with a minimum of 6.5 in each band.
MSc Quantitative Finance
Eligibility:
- 65% or above from multiple backgrounds like economics, Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Engineering or Physics.
- GMAT if required.
- An IELTS Score of 7.0 overall with a minimum of 6.5 in each band.
MSc Finance
Eligibility:
- 60% or above from multiple backgrounds like Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering or Physics and finance-related courses.
- An IELTS Score of 7.0 overall with a minimum of 6.5 in each band.
- May ask for a GMAT score.
MSc Financial Data Science
Eligibility:
- 60% or above in bachelor’s degree.
- Accepts students from engineering, physics, or mathematics.
- An IELTS Score of 7.0 overall with a minimum of 6.5 in each band.
- Applicants may be asked to sit for GMAT/GRE.
MSc Sustainable Energy and Green Technologies
Eligibility:
- 60% or above in engineering, physical science, or environmental-related degree.
- IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element)
University College Dublin, Ireland Admission Dates 2024
Kickstarting your study abroad journey at the world-leading University College Dublin in Ireland requires fulfilment of admission guidelines laid down by the university authorities. Applications for admission can be made through the university portal or registered agents of the university.
Undergraduate programmes:
The application start date for such courses begins on 1st October each year and ends on 15th July each year. The UG courses usually have a September intake.
Postgraduate programmes:
Like UG programmes, the postgraduate programmes at UCD can be applied from 1st October and they will close once all places on a programme have been allocated. Most of the taught master’s courses begin in September, with some courses offering an alternative start date in January. An application fee of 50 Euros is required to be paid to the university while applying.
Research and Innovation
Research and innovation have always been central to the University College Dublin’s mission and goals to create a lasting positive impact on Ireland and the world. The research and innovation community at UCD includes research groups, individual scholars, start-ups, and global collaborations with industry. Making fundamental discoveries with a far-reaching impact through its effective research and innovation strategies – “creating a global sustainable society”, “building a healthy world”, “transforming through digital technology”, and “empowering humanity” – to make a significant difference.
The well-established research centers at UCD fostering multidisciplinary research include UCD Earth Institute, UCD Institute of Food and Health, UCD Energy Institute, UCD Geary Institute of Public Policy, UCD Humanities Institute, and UCD Institute of Discovery, UCD Conway Institute for Biomolecular and Biomedical Research. In addition, UCD’s research underpins several national research centers and technology institutes, such as Food for Health Ireland, Insight Center for Data Analytics, CeADAR Centre for Applied Data Analytics and Machine Intelligence, Irish Centre for Research in Applied Geosciences (iCRAG), I-Form Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, BiOrbic, Bioeconomy SFI Research Centre, and NexSys (Next Generation Energy Systems).
Furthermore, Ireland’s leadership in technology, innovation, and commercialisation motivates the brilliant minds of UCD to commit to innovation and entrepreneurship and understand the significance of active participation and collaboration to make the rightful use of cutting-edge research and innovation.
International Students Support
UCD strives to create a healthy, supportive, and welcoming environment for its international students. For that, it has established various support services and resources to ensure their comfortable and seamless stay in Ireland. There are well-equipped university accommodation facilities available for international students that they can avail of based on their budget and preferences.
There are round-the-clock on-campus support services available catering to medical emergencies, stress management, sexual harassment, and more. The support of student advisors makes your academic journey at UCD much easier and hassle-free. In addition, there are confidential student counselling services for students to resolve issues about personal life, well-being, difficulty coping or learning. Moreover, in some cases, UCD comes forward to assist students facing financial difficulties during their time of study.
Furthermore, there is an Alumni Buddy Programme at the university which aims to collaborate international, graduate students with the UCD alumni for better support. From time to time, the student union at UCD organise events for international students and provides all kinds of welfare services and accommodation information.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
University College Dublin believes in providing all kinds of financial support to meritorious international students in the form of scholarships, bursaries and financial aid opportunities. It offers a diverse range of scholarships for international students with excellent academic records. For that, you need to apply for a course at the university and receive an offer letter.
There are a variety of scholarships available for UG and PG courses available at UCD for international students.
Undergraduate Scholarships
Here is the list of scholarships available for UG courses at UCD:
UCD Global Excellence Scholarship
Value: 50% or 100% fee exemption
Eligibility:
- Merit-based scholarship.
- Student must have an offer, accepted offer, or conditional offer.
Deadline: Regional deadlines and results will be announced 5 weeks after each regional deadline.
Engineering and Architecture Scholarship
Value: Ranges from 3,000 to 10,000 Euros
Eligibility:
- Student must have an offer, accepted offer, or conditional offer.
Deadline: NA
Postgraduate Scholarships
Below is the list of scholarships available for PG courses at UCD:
UCD Global Excellence Scholarship
Value: 50% or 100% fee exemption
Eligibility:
- Merit-based scholarship.
- Student must have an offer, accepted offer, or conditional offer.
Deadline: Regional deadlines and results will be announced 5 weeks after each regional deadline.
MSc Academic Excellence Scholarship
Value: 25% to 50% of tuition fees
Eligibility:
- Merit-based scholarship.
- Applicable only for PG Business courses.
Deadline: Applications Closed
Full-Time MBA Regional Excellence Scholarship
Value: Up to 50% of tuition fees
Eligibility:
- An automatic merit-based scholarship.
Deadline: NA
Indian Academic Excellence Scholarship
Value: 5 x 50% and 4 x 25% scholarships towards MSc tuition fees.
Eligibility:
- Merit-based scholarship.
Deadline: NA
University College Dublin, Ireland Ranking 2024
The academic and research excellence of UCD has ruled over the global ranking charts for years now. Here is the list of global, national and subject-wise rankings.
Global and National Rankings
| Ranked by | Ranking |
|---|---|
| QS World University Ranking 2025 | 126th in the world |
| Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024 | 201 in the world |
| QS Sustainability Rankings 2024 | 50th in Ireland |
| QS Graduate Employability Ranking 2022 | 1 in Ireland and 87th in the world |
Subject-Specific Rankings
| Subjects | Ranking |
|---|---|
| UCD’s Business Analytics | 35th globally as per the QS Business Masters Ranking 2024. |
| UCD’s Finance | 36th globally as per the QS Business Master Ranking 2024. |
| UCD’s International Management | 32nd globally as per the QS Business Master Ranking 2024. |
| UCD’s Marketing | 30th globally as per the QS Business Master’s Ranking 2024. |
| UCD’s Supply Chain Management | 12th as per the QS Business Master’s Ranking 2024. |
| UCD’s law | Top 100 as per QS World University subject ranking 2024. |
FAQ
The admission procedures to apply to UG and PG courses at UCD are somewhat similar. The process of applying to courses at UCD is online through its website. After a successful application, you will receive an offer letter from the university confirming your admission.
The average cost of studying at UCD is 17,640 Euro to 29,100 Euro per year for UG courses and 21,520 Euro to 29,100 Euro for complete PG courses.
Yes, the UCD Global Excellence Scholarship provides a 100% tuition fee waiver to some international students based on their academic records
University College Dublin provides a thriving, vibrant, and multicultural campus life to its students. There are all the student-centric facilities offered by the university such as accommodation, student unions, healthcare centres, entertainment centres, etc. Moreover, the state-of-the-art research centres and classrooms at UCD make learning fun and exciting.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, University College Dublin has been an epicentre of metamorphic developments, with Ireland undergoing severe technological and research-led transformations. With a long-term objective to change the world for the better, the university looks forward to staying at the forefront of education and research excellence. Studying at such a dedicated and goal-oriented university will be a life-changing opportunity for you while gaining extensive international exposure to curate a successful career journey ahead of you.
Get in touch with Fateh Education for more details on the admission procedure at the University College Dublin!
